Media4Diversity

Programme Description:

Malta has been described by some as ‘besieged’ by immigration. Due to the island’s close proximity to Africa and the Middle East, it is the first accessible part of the European Union for many refugees. Arriving by small flimsy boats, many have to be rescued before they reach the island. Due to the large numbers of immigrants taking this journey some Maltese resent their arrival.

MaltaToday, a bi-weekly newspaper, aims to speak out and tell the side of the story of refugees, migrant workers and asylum seekers, who ever they are, where ever they are from. Due to the large number of immigrants reaching Malta a lot of misinformation about them reaches the public. MaltaToday tries to combat this by writing informed, well-researched unbiased stories on the issues surrounding immigration and the treatment of refugees in Malta. By communicating complicated problems in a straightforward way MaltaToday makes the debate on migration accessible to a broad spectrum of Maltese society. When researching stories, journalists talk to all key players including asylum seekers, refugees, army officials and NGO workers. The emphasis is put on groundwork rather than statistics and journalists keep in contact with their sources after the story has been completed.

Challenge:

Criticism from right wing /fascist groups accusing MaltaToday of supporting illegal immigration.

Solution:

Upholding the commitment to report on issues that other papers miss or ignore, and ensuring all sides of the argument are given the same right to join the discussion.

Impact and Success Stories:

• MaltaToday has become a reference point on migration in Malta, helping people to understand migration issues and the impact they have on the EU.
• An otherwise voiceless group of people, refugees or asylum seekers, now have a publication addressing the struggles they face on a daily basis.

Quotes:

“MaltaToday can always be depended on to give a different side of the story.” Matthew Vela, Editor, MaltaToday Midweek